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ITV Report

26 June 2012 at 5:48pm

First Minister attacked for 'lack of respect' over nuclear subs answer

The Welsh Liberal Democrat leader has told the First Minister he risks 'stooping to new depths' by refusing to answer written questions on his controversial calls to relocate the UK's nuclear submarine fleet to Wales. Here's the letter from Kirsty Williams:

Dear Carwyn,

_I am bitterly disappointed with your response to my Written Questions with regard to a proposed move of the nuclear submarine base at Faslane to Milford Haven (WAQ60674, WAQ60675, WAQ60676).

The people of Wales deserve an answer to the above questions – regardless of whether or not you believe this to be “an academic argument”.

To duck and hide from questions in the Senedd is one thing, but I believe you are in danger of stooping to new depths by refusing to answer official Written Assembly Questions.

Declining to answer Written Questions could open you up to accusations of showing a lack of respect and disdain for the democratic process we have in Wales.

I would greatly appreciate if you right this wrong by responding with full and comprehensive answers to my original written questions.

Yours Sincerely,

Kirsty Williams_

And here are the written questions and the answer which has so disappointed Kirsty Williams:

*Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire): *Has the Welsh Government carried out a risk assessment regarding a proposed move of the nuclear submarine base at Faslane to Milford Haven. (WAQ60674)

*Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire): *What discussions has the First Minister had with the UK Government over moving the trident nuclear fleet to Milford Haven. (WAQ60675)

Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire): **Has any decision been taken **at Cabinet level, regarding the proposed move of the nuclear submarine base to Milford Haven. (WAQ60676)

First Minister: I have nothing further to add to the answers I gave in response to the urgent question tabled by Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM and the associated supplementary questions, in plenary on 20th June. Cabinet minutes are published 6 weeks after the meeting to which they relate.